Backpacking in Antarctica: My Top 5 Moments!

Backpacking in Antarctica: My top 5 moments, on reflection!!

It’s almost three years since I went backpacking in Antarctica, and though I’ve written about 40 articles about it already, I haven’t yet done an actual “Top 5”. The main reason for this will be that I tend to write about each part separately, but also that every moment of the trip was a highlight and worthy of a “Top 5” position. However I’ve realised thanks to my post on eTramping recently that people are actually interested in visiting Antarctica so here’s a new post on it to fill you all in! These are my Top 5 moments from backpacking in Antarctica.

I dived into snow in Antarctica – you can do it too you know – don’t say CAN’T!

The British Base at Port Lockroy just had to make my top 5 for so many reasons. Firstly, being Northern Irish, I’m actually British myself and therefore the political, personal and sentimental aspect of it all. Seeing the union flag flying against a backdrop of snow, penguins and a milky white sky was just phenomenal. It was also slightly special just because our visit was on remembrance day – 11th November. So we had a minute’s silence for the fallen war heroes and deaths of yesteryear on a quiet, cold morning.

Arrival at the British Base in Port Lockroy in Antarctica

At Port Lockroy there are a few buildings, one of which is Bransfield House. Once the British Base, this is now a Museum. Inside there is a full gift shop, and even a post box and a room for writing your postcards. In essence this is the world’s southernmost Post Office. I was totally moved and inspired by it.

This was more than just a hike, and there were smiles all round as we docked off the coast of Cuverville Island. We boarded our Zodiacs and headed to land, at a remote and tranquil beach only penguins could make a home of. Staring up there was a “peak” which we would be walking through the tick snow up to.

Our group hiking up Cuverville Island in Antarctica, zig zag style

It didn’t take too long to get to the top and it was quite an amazing walk. We walked in a zig zag pattern, led by John Kernan. On arrival at the top it was simply a feast for your eyes. The views down on a world of white and blue were nothing short of spectacular. We threw snowballs, dived in the snow and rolled our way back down.

The immense views and freedom from the top of Cuverville Island in Antarctica

No trip to Antarctica would be complete without stepping on the actual mainland. As if the islands are fake, the real Antarctic moment for me came with my first step onto land at Neko Harbour.

Loving the wilderness of my arrival onto the Antarctic mainland at Neko Harbour, with my well travelled Northern Ireland flag.

You have to pinch yourself sometimes and yes we really did it. We really stepped on Mainland Antarctica – the same land mass as the South Pole.

A world of glaciers, never ending snow and beauty lay in front of us. Again we dived into the snow, walked on the beach and enjoyed the calm blizzard that made our visit slightly more typical and authentic. Neko Harbour will never be forgotten. It’s my favourite travel moment.

All alone in this wilderness. Oh the magic of Neko Harbour on the Antarctic mainland.

Deception Island has its glory moments and you will never forget this “C” shaped enigma of an island, which doubles up as an active volcano. We saw an airport hangar, an old whaling station and were almost blown away at Neptune’s Window. However the highlight of Deception Island was definitely going swimming at Whaler’s Bay. A hot Kahlua and cream plus an “I’ve swam in Antarctica” certificate awaited all those who braved the waters.

Getting my kit off in the land down under – naked in Antarctica!

I went in with my Northern Ireland flag and shorts and got a bit cold and naked in the waters. I loved it.

While the above four moments were all unique and special, you could say the best moment was the actual arrival in Antarctica. My venue for my first ever footsteps onto this continent was a small island known as Barrientos. It belongs to the Aitcho Islands group.

Yeah baby – arrival in Antarctica at Barrientos in 2010. One of my best travel moments from a decade of nomadery.

The main attractions there are snow, penguins and seals. In fact I was blown away by it. Literally – a snowstorm welcomed my arrival on the world’s coldest continent and I loved it. A special memory.

I’ll leave you with my videos from these top 5 places when backpacking in Antarctica. If you haven’t been yet – get it on your list. I still frown at travellers who think travelling is a weekend a Paris, a month in Thailand or 2 weeks in New Zealand. Get out and see the real world folks! What are you waiting for? Don’t forget, I backpacked my way to Antarctica by working my ass off on farms, anyone can do it!

Backpacking in Antarctica: Port Lockroy

Backpacking in Antarctica: Cuverville

Backpacking in Antarctica: Neko Harbour

Backpacking in Antarctica: Polar Plunge at Whaler’s Bay

Backpacking in Antarctica: Barrientos

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About Jonny Blair

I'm Jonny Blair, a travelling Northern Irishman. Since leaving my hometown a decade ago I have managed to visit over 100 countries and over 600 towns or cities across all 7 continents. Along the way I have worked in countless jobs! Join my journey on Don't Stop Living - a lifestyle of travel as I provide you with tips and inspiration to live your travel dreams! Safe travels! Follow me on Jonny Blair Google Plus

21 Responses to Backpacking in Antarctica: My Top 5 Moments!

I didn’t realize that people backpacked at Antarctica. I just thought you either went to work there for a spell or visited via a cruise. What an intrepid way to see the end of the world.santafetraveler recently posted…Photo of the Week: Waves at Point Lobos

Thanks for the comment Billie and Steve. I worked 12 hour days, 7 days a week for a few months living in a tent to pay for the trip so I definitely “backpacked my way there”, and once I got there, I did carry my backpack most of the time (on the hikes etc.). Though I went to ANtarctica as part of a cheap tour run by G Adventures (dont recommend them actually) in November 2010 – 13 day tour! Havent been anywhere else like it. If you havent been – get it on your list!! Safe travels. Jonny

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